Conor Benn is making his return to the welterweight division for the first time since April 2022, as he faces off against WBC champion Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old from Britain aims to achieve the pinnacle of his decade-long professional career at the T-Mobile Arena.
Benn boasts an impressive record, having won 25 of his 26 professional fights, and a victory would see him follow in the footsteps of his father, Nigel Benn, by securing a WBC title. On the other side, 28-year-old Garcia is set to defend his belt for the first time after his February decision win over Mario Barrios. The American fighter has amassed 25 wins in 28 bouts, including 20 knockouts, with just two losses and one no-contest.
Live text updates for the fight will begin on Sunday, 13 September at 03:00 BST on BBC Sport’s website and app. Ahead of the bout, BBC Sport gathered predictions from notable figures in boxing:
Tony Bellew, former cruiserweight world champion, views the contest as more competitive than many expect. He predicts Benn’s resilience will be tested and believes Benn will secure a knockout within eight rounds but warns Garcia must not underestimate his opponent.
Carl Frampton, two-weight world champion, initially saw Benn’s tenacity as a strong factor but now perceives him as the underdog. Frampton doubts Benn’s recent struggles with weight and form, favoring Garcia to win comfortably.
Barry Jones, former super-featherweight world champion, acknowledges Benn’s toughness but feels he hasn’t looked as sharp recently. Jones credits Garcia’s speed, power, and patience and predicts a stoppage victory for Garcia inside five rounds.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is blunt, foreseeing a quick knockout of Benn, remarking on the extreme weight loss and physical changes Benn has undergone.
Paul Smith, former world title challenger, believes the fight hinges on Garcia’s performance, with a high-quality showing likely ending the fight early.
DAZN commentator Adam Smith highlights Benn’s weight cut as a potential trouble spot against Garcia’s speed and skill but predicts the champion will hold the advantage on home turf.
Anthony Crolla, former lightweight world champion, expects Garcia to win by knockout, noting the significant leap in competition Benn faces compared to his previous bouts with Chris Eubank Jr.
Josh Taylor, ex-undisputed light-welterweight champion, suggests Garcia could stop Benn within six rounds if fully focused and prepared, though if not, Benn could last 12 rounds but lose narrowly on points.
Boxing journalist and Hall of Famer Kevin Iole points to Garcia’s unpredictability and speed, viewing Benn as one-dimensional, and concludes Garcia will prevail if both fighters bring their best.
DAZN presenter Ade Oladipo predicts an early win for Garcia, citing his hand speed and greater ring experience. He sees Benn’s aggressive start possibly backfiring and anticipates the fight lasting between four and seven rounds.
Fan Take: This showdown between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia is a must-watch for fight fans as it pits two hungry fighters at a crossroads in their careers, with a world title on the line. The outcome could shift the welterweight landscape and fuel fresh rivalries, injecting new excitement into the division and the sport as a whole.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
